The rise of feminism, gay-rights activism and metrosexuals question traditional masculinity structures. Now, defensive back Michael Sam's announcement that he is gay challenges manhood in the professional sports arena.

Any NFL team that drafts Michael Sam will be taking on much more than a rookie pass-rusher. But experts say the smart approach for a team that signs the league's first openly gay athlete — from a marketing and public relations standpoint — is to simply let Sam's on-field play speak for him and his team.